Some Germans are rather reserved and it can take some time to get an invitation to visit their home.
Generally you will be treated politely and helpfully even if your host is a bit reserved in the beginning. Why don't you take the initiative to get them to know them a bit better by suggesting you do something together? Many Germans will gladly accept and return your invitation. When the "ice is broken", a genuine and long lasting friendship can develop. It is always great to have lots of friends, inside and outside of the army.
As mentioned before, Germans like punctuality. Please do not be on "Fiji time" when you are expected to attend a meeting or to meet friends. It's okay to be a few minutes late on a social visit (but not 30 minutes). Lunch is normally served around 1.00 pm and dinner around 7.00 pm or 8.00 pm. If the person who invited you is cooking, punctuality is important but if you are invited to a party with lots of people, you'll probably get away with being on "Fiji time". Coffee and cake invitations are usually around 3.00 or 4.00 pm and you will probably be offered home made cakes or pastries.
It's usually acceptable to bring some chocolate, or a bottle of wine or flowers for the host as a sign of appreciation.
When meeting in a café or restaurant each person usually pays for their share of the bill, but this depends on the person you are with or the occasion.
Christmas time is a very traditional family occasion and only embraces the immediate family. Therefore it is not usual to invite guests to a Christmas celebration. If you receive one you are very special to that family.
Rules of conduct are not taken very seriously in Germany so don't be afraid of making a fool of yourself or offending your host.
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